Dragons and other Chinese motifs were introduced into the ceramics, paintings, and textiles of Islamic countries after the Mongol invasions from Central Asia in the thirteenth century. Monumental showpieces such as this rug were most likely woven on commission at one of the great commercial weaving centers of the Caucasus. This sole example of a complete dragon rug takes its name from the three pairs of dark brown dragons that run along either side of the central column of abstract floral designs. Surrounding the dragons are jagged-edged bands representing phoenixes. Any naturalism in portraying the animal or plant world yields here to the dynamic rhythm and organization of the dramatic overall geometric pattern, shown against a brilliant red ground, which combine to make this the most stunning example of such rugs in any museum. Felice Fischer, from Philadelphia Museum of Art: Handbook of the Collections (1995), p. 66.